According to presidential candidate Seán Gallagher entrepreneurs are the innovators who create jobs and keep our communities alive and together.
He made his comments at the Spirit of Entrepreneurship event in GMIT Castlebar on Monday night. Mr Gallagher also praised the work of the Innovation in Business Centre which is responsible for more than 160 jobs and 17 successful spin-outs, calling it a “great example of what works”.
“As someone who has experienced unemployment three times I personally understand its accompanying feelings of dejection. However, as someone who also made the choice to embark on a career of entrepreneurship I am incredibly encouraged by this event that actively seeks to inspire and empower innovation. It is the initial idea generation and strategic start-up planning that means access to mentoring services and support networks is vital.”
Mr Gallagher said: “We have potential for growth. This is the time to be persistent, innovative, and to look creatively. It is imperative we nurture young companies and support the existing ones. We all have a part to play – as individuals, as communities, as a nation. The centre in GMIT creates and supports small businesses and entrepreneurship locally, it is something that as president I would like to see highlighted and celebrated.”
